KUCHING: Sarawak still needs Abang Johari’s experience to see major transformation plans through, says Datuk Lo Khere Chiang.
The Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) deputy secretary-general and Batu Kitang assemblyman said his immediate reaction was reluctance to accept that this news had come sooner than he had expected.
“It is difficult to imagine Sarawak’s political landscape without Abang Johari at the helm, particularly at a time when so many of the state’s major initiatives are still unfolding,” he told Sarawak Tribune.
Abang Johari recently spoke about his age and eventual leadership succession at the PBB Northern Zone Special Convention in Miri on Sept 13.
“I am 76 years old. In four years, I will be 80.
“I want to be frank, this may be my last time. We cannot go against the course of nature, even though in our hearts we may still feel young. Even if we are young at heart, we cannot go against the course of nature.
“But I will make the decision when the time comes,” he said.
Lo pointed to a wide range of economic, energy and infrastructure initiatives still being pursued, including renewable energy, hydrogen, green methanol, green ethanol, the zero-waste agenda, carbon storage, the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART), the new airport and the deep-sea port.
He also cited moves to tap Sarawak’s inland oil reserves, with plans, he said, to extract more than 800 barrels of oil a day.
“These are transformative initiatives with long-term implications for Sarawak.
“We need Abang Johari to continue advancing his agenda and, most importantly, to see these plans through to fruition,” he said.
Beyond those initiatives, he also pointed to legislative measures introduced under Abang Johari’s administration.
“The many new laws he has tabled in the Dewan Undangan Sarawak, including the Gas Aggregator Bill, the bills concerning space above and below our land, and the carbon storage bills, all require time to prove their relevance and effectiveness.
“The pursuit of Sarawak’s rights under MA63, including the recovery of rights and resources belonging to the state, also requires tact, experience and skill.
“We must be firm in asserting our position while keeping the path of negotiation open and constructive,” he said.
Lo said his view of Abang Johari’s leadership also went beyond individual projects, legislation and negotiations.
“His integrity, selflessness and genuine commitment to Sarawak and its people have helped shape the state’s progress.
“He has demonstrated a clear vision for Sarawak, while having the courage to pursue new economic opportunities and place the state on a stronger and more sustainable footing,” he said.
Looking beyond how long Abang Johari eventually remains at the helm, he said the direction already established would also need to be carried forward by those around and after him.
“We need like-minded leaders who understand Abang Johari’s vision and are committed to carrying forward the agendas he has initiated, while pursuing them consistently until they are fully realised.
“Sarawak’s progress today is the result of long-term planning, stability and consistent leadership. We must ensure that this momentum is maintained,” he said.
On balancing continuity with the eventual emergence of younger leaders, he pointed to Sarawak’s experience under successive administrations.
“I believe Sarawak is well positioned to achieve that balance.
“From the time of our former leaders and now Abang Johari, Sarawak has progressed by leaps and bounds.
“Throughout this journey, we have consistently seen young and capable leaders emerge from within our midst,” he said.
For the eventual transition, he pointed out that leadership renewal is important, but so are experience, institutional knowledge and continuity.
“The key is to give younger leaders opportunities to grow and take on greater responsibilities, while allowing them to benefit from the experience and guidance of those who laid the foundation before them,” he said.
Looking ahead, Lo expressed confidence in the next generation.
“As Sarawak continues its journey of nation-building, I am confident that the next generation of leaders will be ready to carry the state’s aspirations forward while preserving the stability and vision that have brought us this far,” he said.
